11.09.2011

YES! YES! YES! OMG!!! YES!!!Radiohead has released the first ten dates of it's upcoming U.S. Tour in 2012!!! This is their first major tour in the U.S. in 4 years!
OHHHHH!!! They have been one of my favorite bands for almost 20 years! I swear, these guys are in a league all their own... Their music is inspiring, provocative, deep, and just freakin' brilliant... all with a unique style that only Radiohead can create. Plus, Thom Yorke's vocals are just sexy.
As an activist, their outspokenness of political and social issues such as human rights and the environment, only reinforce my love for the band.
I'm so excited they are coming back to the U.S.
RADIOHEAD!!!!!!!!

11.01.2011

Check out this video for "As I Make My Way" from The Commuters. I love the song and really feel like I relate.
Though I've been trying to keep up with tweets and our FB page, I know the main blog has been a little sparse in recent months. Being multi-faceted and pursuing more than a handful of various passions in life, can get overwhelming sometimes. And for me the past several months have been quite a roller coaster...

That being said, after hearing this song, I knew I had to share it. Not only does it have a really good melody and just sounds great...but I love the lyrics.

"i'm on a journey, i've got my faithi don't have to worry about my fatethe planets align as the will dictates i'm writing it out as i make my way..."

Yup. Sums me up nicely...

I'm looking forward to checking out more music from these guys... When a single song can connect upon your first listen, chances are there's more good stuff where it came from. So discover them with me... check out www.thecommuters.comfor more about the band. Sign up for their mailing list and get the 4-Song EP for FREE!

9.21.2011

Last Friday, my boyfriend and I went to Star Wars Night at Turner Field. The Atlanta Braves were playing the NY Mets, and a portion of the tickets we got for the galactic night benefited Stand Up To Cancer. Having recently lost someone to lung cancer made it even more meaningful to attend this night.

It had been a long, stressful day and I couldn't wait to kickoff my weekend. We jumped on MARTA to meet a friend of ours at the Five Points station. While my boyfriend sat beside me, all calm and chill, I was antsy for us to get going. We already drove 45 min. just to get to the nearest MARTA station, and the train wasn't moving.

It was practically empty at the time, except for 2 people sitting in front of us. A young man and young woman, sat facing each other, each of them had guitars in hand. It was hard not to overhear some of the conversation, and I was intrigued. I could tell from the way the woman spoke so passionately about music and love...from how intently her companion was listening, that something special was about to happen.

And I was right.

We had several stops before we got to our destination, and after the first few minutes, the young musicians started to play. Diggin' the strumming, I laid my head on my boyfriend's shoulder and enjoyed the music...and then...

She sang.

I busted out my smartphone and started filming.

Running low on battery, after the first song, I remembered I had my camera with me and got a second video filmed.

I had decided before the first song was even over, that I had to meet them. No way I could get off that train without finding out who they were, so I could hopefully hear more music another time.

She is Atia INk and he is Joe Davis. They are awesome.

You can check out more music (without the MARTA intercom overhead) and information on the links below:http://atiaink.tumblr.com

7.07.2011

Music goers among the southeast can rejoice for the prolonged indefinite hiatus of Music Midtown is no longer. In the 12-year trek of Music Midtown, musicians; The Pixies, The White Stripes, The Strokes, and more, performed to more than 150,000 festival-goers spanning over 7 stages for a 3-4 day duration. The festival is set to return this year on Saturday September 24 and is headlined by Coldplay and The Black Keys. Other performances include Cage The Elephant, Manchester Orchestra, Band Of Skulls, and The Constellations. Tickets will go on sale Saturday July 16 at 10:00am through Music Midtown for $55.

I'm super excited to see that NAPPY ROOTS will be back again. One of my favorites, I discovered their music at Athfest 2009. There are a lot of favorites playing this year, as well as many more I can't wait to discover. I'm also excited that FUTUREBIRDS will be on the main stage, as I've been wanting to see them LIVE, since coming across their music not too long ago.

One of the things I love about Athens is the abundance of venues that bands perform in. It is my goal to one day have seen a show at each location. Maybe with this year's “club crawl” I just might! This takes place on the Friday and Saturday nights of the festival and includes: Little King’s, Flicker Theatre, Ciné, Caledonia Lounge, Bad Manor, Farm 255, The Globe, as well as my favorites: the legendary 40 Watt Club, The Melting Point, New Earth Music Hall, Rye Bar, and The Go Bar.

You can get wristbands for $15.00 in advance or $20.00 at the festival. Venue age and capacity restrictions will apply and select shows will require the Athfest wristband for entry. More details can be found at www.athfest.com.

Athfest is more than just incredible live music! This festival also features KIDSFest, a juried artisan market, film events, a comedy showcase, Flagpole Music Awards, Wired Dance Festival and so much more! The experiences I've had every year I've gone have always been amazing! I never leave without discovering new bands, enjoying favorites, and getting inspired by the creative arts! And one more thing I love, is that proceeds go back to the community through support of music and arts education programs in local schools. How cool is that?!

6.02.2011

Don't worry... we are still alive! I promise! We're hard at work on transitioning to a new website. We'll do our best to keep to post stuff there, but for now, FB will be the main source of up-to-date things to check out in music! Thanks for your support and sticking around! ♥

We've got lots of exclusives to share...we're just working on a new presentation of all of it.

ALSO - Becky, Brian, and Tyler are headed out to Bonnaroo next week. And I'm going to be Athfest bound later this month.

So, hang in there and stay tuned!!! :)

Make sure to follow us more up-to-date postings on our Facebook page HERE.

5.10.2011

FINALS ARE OVER. And although I still have summer classes to look forward to, I thought I might share a song I have been obsessed with for a couple of weeks now by Smith Westerns. These four guys from Chicago, who have been recording music since high school, can now be heard on Tommy Hilfiger commericals and are currently on tour with Yeasayer. I'm happy to say I will be seeing them at Bonnaroo this summer and will be sure to report all the dirty details here.This song might just be my summer theme song. Enjoy.

3.11.2011

On February 22, D.R.U.G.S. released their debut self-titled album to the world. Vocalist Craig Owens (ex-Chiodos), guitarist Matt Good (From First To Last), drummer Aaron Stern (Matchbook Romance), guitarist Nick Martin (Underminded), and bassist Adam Russel (Story of the Year) come together as a supergroup of sorts. Already playing a massive amount of shows, and headlining this year's AP Tour, this is one "new" band that definitely knows what they are doing. Here is the music video for their lead single, "If You Think This Song Is About You, It Probably Is."

WARNING: Video contains strong language.

The video is actually just the musical portion of a 9 minute short film that they did. I haven't quite figured out how to post the entire thing as I have it on my computer, so the censored Youtube version will just have to suffice for now.

2.19.2011

On January 28th, Escape the Fate brought their Dead Masquerade tour to Atlanta. Being a fan of the band since their first album was released in 2006, I was more than ecstatic to have the opportunity to see them in their first headlining tour in support of their self-titled third album, Escape the Fate. At around 9:30PM, the lights dimmed, and the intro track, “Choose Your Fate”, began to play. The crowd was already moving wildly and screaming in anticipation of the band they had waited all night to see. Still with no lights on stage, the members of the band began to emerge from backstage one by one, only silhouettes visible; each met with louder and louder screams. Once all members had arrived the lights came up and they immediately went into the song “Massacre”, a hard-hitting song with electronic beats infused and a shredding guitar solo. I knew at this point that I was in for an electrifying show. The band was dressed in their best garb that consisted of leather jackets, ripped jeans and plenty of makeup, which I’m sure took a few parents in the crowd back to their glam rock days of the '80s.

Escape the Fate played through their set with a great sense of charisma and prowess, definitely making obvious their origins in Las Vegas. The show itself made me feel as if I was watching a band reminiscent of Motley Crue or Def Leppard. In a day where many hard rock/heavy metal bands just stand around and headband a little, Escape the Fate uses just enough theatricality in their show to keep it interesting and give it its own personality, with plenty of audience involvement. Vocalist, Craig Mabbitt, even jumped into the crowd near the beginning of the set, breaking his in-ears used to hear the rest of the band’s instruments, but they continued on with an amount of professionalism that is not often seen in such a young band. At the end of their set, they made sure to thank the fans, letting us know that the only reason they could do what they are doing now is because of us, which a lot a bands seem to take for granted a lot. It takes a lot for a band to be mature enough to realize that fans are the sole reason they are able to keep touring and making music.

To just be having their first headlining tour after the release of their third album, Escape the Fate shows no signs of slowing or tiring of doing what they love. This is definitely a band to keep watching as the years go on and I look forward to seeing more great things come out of this band. I know they have absolutely blown the roof off of every venue they have stopped at thus far, and if you like your music a little on the heavy side, be sure to check them out next time they are at a venue near you.

2.18.2011

It's not even 2 months into 2011, and the year has already been keeping A Million Watts of Sound busy. Last year, I added Brian Jimenez and Becky Cruz to the team, and just last month, Will Avery. I'm so thankful for such great contributors! Especially during the weeks that sickness knocked me down a few pegs.

There is SO MUCH music out there! A lot of great music doesn't easily find it's way to the listener's ears as quickly as it should. With so many genres, the more of us posting, the more we can share with you.

So, it's my pleasure to introduce you guys to Tyler Alley. He is one of my dearest friends, with one of the most diverse and eclectic tastes in music I have ever experienced. LOL. No joke. We may not always agree on a song or artist, but that's ok. He has definitely opened up my ears to many new artists and genres, many whom I had never heard of before.

In his own words...

Ever since birth, I have enjoyed music in every form. My parents influenced my tastes a good bit, exposing me to such great artists like Yanni, Depeche Mode, Garbage, The Smashing Pumpkins, etc. It is from the sharing of their music that I also love to share the music I love with other people. Anyone that has ever ridden in a car with me will tell you that one minute we can be listening to the soothing voice of Celine Dion and immediately go straight to the shrieking vocals and down-tuned guitars of The Devil Wears Prada. I hope that by writing for the blog, people come to learn and grow in their appreciation of all different types of music, as I have over the years.

Just a few days ago, Radiohead announced the release of their upcoming album, The King of Limbs. In fact, if you pre-ordered it, the digital downloads were scheduled to be available tomorrow, 02.19.

A band that likes to do things their way, Radiohead gives us an unexpected treat by releasing the album one day early. So no need to wait! The best part of the weekend is here! I'm downloading my pre-ordered copy as I write this!!! So excited!

Also released, is the first video from the album, check outLotus Flower, below. Thom Yorke has got some crazy dance moves, but damnit if that voice and that music don't send tingles down my spine.

2.17.2011

Check out this video from May Stands Still. The title track from the EP they released last July, Matter of Time is a beautiful song that I just love, love, love. Just discovered there was this video for it, so enjoy it with me... just click play. :)

2.15.2011

Do you smell that? The smell of aimlessly wandering hippies and porta-pottie lines stretching for miles are beginning to linger. The overbearing heat-rays are beginning to burn the skin and music goers across the south are rejoicing at the announcement of artists billed on Bonnaroo’s tenth year anniversary lineup. Originally a festival for jam bands and the hippie dwellers, Bonnaroo has been able to expand their genre to a wide array of diverse artists with a catalog of past performers consisting of Sigur Rós, Kanye West, Metallica, Deadmau5, Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, M.I.A, and many more. For four days we are united for an unforgettable experience only attainable in Manchester, Tennessee where your looks and your life outside are the least of importance. So pack your large quantities of sunscreen, your tent (though hardly used), minimal clothing, and your love of music because Bonnaroo is coming.

2.14.2011

Radiohead are back. Similar to their previous unexpected announcement of In Rainbows, Radiohead reveal The King Of Limbs, their 8th full-length album. Entitled as the “worlds first newspaper album”, the bundled release is set for May 9th while the mp3 version is to be released this Saturday February 19th, 2011.The bundle consists of:

Two clear 10" vinyl records in a purpose-built record sleeve.

A compact disc

Many large sheets of artwork, 625 tiny pieces of artwork and a full-colour piece of oxo-degradeable plastic to hold it all together.

The Newspaper Albums digital download is compatible with all good digital media players.

The Newspaper Album will be shipped on Monday 9th May 2011

The MP3 is available on Saturday 19th February 2011.

Shipping is included in the prices shown.

Newspaper Album + MP3 - $48.00 - May 9th, 2011

Newspaper Album + WAV - $53.00 - May 9th, 2011

MP3 - $9.00 - February 19th, 2011

WAV - $14.00 - February 19th, 2011

The King of Limbs is presented in two digital formats:

MP3 version is a 320k constant bit rate file

WAV version is a full CD quality uncompressed digital audio file

One lucky owner of the digital version of The King Of Limbs, purchased from this website, will receive a signed 2 track 12" vinyl.

2.07.2011

Video footage from Linkin Park'sA Thousand Suns tour.The Messenger and In the Endfrom the show at Philips Arena, on Jan. 23, 2011.
So excited these two songs are captured on the same video. The Messenger is definitely one of my favorite songs from their new album A Thousand Suns, while In the End is one of my old school favorites.

A couple Sundays ago, I was feeling pretty lousy. In the late afternoon, my fever just broke, after it started almost 40 hours before. With just over 2 hours before the opening act came on stage, I told my boyfriend to get the car ready, we were headed to Atlanta. I was going to see Linkin Park.

I remember when the band first came out with Hybrid Theory a decade ago. I played it all the time, and it got me through some significant moments. Over the years, I still listened to some Linkin Park, but not nearly as much as I used to. I had always wanted to see them LIVE but hadn't been able to before. So, I was pretty excited for the opportunity to go to this show. I knew they'd play some of my old favorites, but I was really looking forward to their newer music.

Gallery Images below courtesy of Linkin Park

My first observation upon arrival at the venue was how crazy the lines were. Also, I found it interesting to look at all the kinds of people attending the show. Not what I would've expected. In addition to those around my age (who were in college when Linkin Park first hit it big), I saw teens, young adults, families, and some even old enough to be in their late 60s early 70s. I was impressed by the diversity of people around me!

My second observation were the "bible thumpers" just outside who were telling everyone to repent. Now don't get me wrong. I don't have a problem with religion, and myself belive in God. But I was like...what in the world are these guys doing at a Linkin Park show?! Did they think they were some kind of bad influence? Ummm... Far from it! In fact, one of the things that stuck out the most to me from the show, was Linkin Park's support of Music for Relief - a group of artists, music industry professionals, and fans working together to create positive change. Their mission is to support disaster relief and reduce global warming. Is that not cool?! I thought so. I love when artists give back and help to make this world a better place.

Gallery Images below courtesy of my Blackberry

In regards to their performance, it was pretty amazing. Their energy and stage presence was pretty invigorating. As sick as I was when I got to the show, for the couple hours of their performance, I forgot about how terrible my body physically felt. I had already lost my voice due to intense coughing for several days, yet I wanted (and tried badly) to scream in excitement. It was fun feeling like I was in my 20s again when they sang their older songs. But, their newer songs were just as good. Linkin Park has grown and matured a bit in their sound, but the energy and the passion are still just as much, as they were ten years ago. Overall, it was a great show, and it was worth the extra effort to go despite being sick. I'm SO glad I didn't miss it!

Big on their fans, the band encourages you to post all your photos, videos, tweets, etc. of the show and tag them. I thought that was pretty cool because a lot of the shows in bigger venues don't usually allow photography and such. I myself had brought my camera, but when they couldn't locate my photo pass for the pit, I decided not to bring it in. Which ended up working out, because I got to enjoy the show more, just sitting back and watching.

One of the other cool things that Linkin Park does for their fans is give them the opportunity to download the entire LIVE show of any of their performances...EVER. They are available for purchase on their website. However, as part of A Thousand Suns tour, instructions are displayed on the projector screenson how you can get a code that allows you to download that particular show for free. So now, I can relive the experience anytime I want. Check out the player below to listen and experience with me! If they are coming to a town near you, I definitely recommend going.

I wrote a couple of weeks ago about the Avett Brothers performing a benefit show in Athens to help rebuild the Georgia Theatre. It seems the fun in Athens is about to continue with another benefit concert being lined up for March 5 at the famous 40 Watt. On the bill for the night is Don Chambers and GOAT, The K-Macks, Lera Lynn, and the Borderhop Trio. Doors to the show open at 8:30 and the show starts at 9. In addition to the four bands performing, there will be a few door prizes given away, with the big one being a pair of tickets to the sold out Avett Brothers show. This is another great chance for you to go out and see some local music for a great cause.

2.02.2011

Today is a sad day in music indeed. I can remember being in high school and picking up a copy of White Blood Cells and thinking this band was going to represent the new wave of an alternative music scene. A new band that was ready to be heard not just through burnt CD’s and mix tapes but a band that would ultimately gain an iconic stance and stand beside artists such as Nirvana and R.E.M. Boy was I ever right.

With a career spanning over 13 years with 6 studio albums and several EP’s, The White Stripes have set their place in music history. With the release of their self-titled album and second release De Stijl, The White stripes gained small critical acclaim. They garnered the attention of a small but vital population of music-goers dwelling on an underground music scene consisting of Interpol, The Strokes, and Yeah Yeah Yeahs, all of whom were to launch their own successful careers in time. Jack and Meg were different however, and their concept of a color scheme, two-piece duo, and a female drummer could have driven many off but it didn’t. It did the complete opposite by attracting a population of music lovers from almost all genres. It wasn’t until their third release White Blood Cells, where everyone was able to truly hear what The White Stripes had to say. The album was a critical success gaining them an immense popularity that fans and the band members themselves never truly expected. Elephant brought a hard grungier sound and gave way to one rock and rolls most profoundanthem of all time, “Seven Nation Army”, which was immensely successful worldwide. Although their later releases Get Behind Me Satan and Icky Thump were a tad stray from their grunge rock roots, it only showed how further and creative the band could push their limits and prove how far they had come from a band that started out in Detroit playing bars every Friday night to headlining large music festivals and sold out stadiums.

The White Stripes were able to show us how loud, creative, and original they were with just two straightforward instruments; a drum set and guitar. The music population shouldn’t mourn the loss of this duo but should be pleased with the outcome of their 13-year career span and should be thankful for their catalog that will surely be played over for many many years to come. Although the small void created today in rock history will never be filled, we look forward to the many bands to come with a sound greatly influenced by The White Stripes. Jack and Meg, thank you. You will truly be missed.

“The White Stripes do not belong to Meg and Jack anymore. The White Stripes belong to you now and you can do with it whatever you want. The beauty of art and music is that it can last forever if people want it to. Thank you for sharing this experience. Your involvement will never be lost on us and we are truly grateful.”